IPL 6: Mumbai Cricket Association ban on SRK to stay

Mumbai Cricket Association president Ravi Sawant said its stance towards the Bollywood actor and Kolkata Knight Riders owner remained the same and Khan would not be allowed to enter the Wankhede Stadium during IPL 6.

The Mumbai Cricket Association has refused to relent on its five-year ban slapped on Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for a brawl during the last season of the Indian Premier League.

A report in The Indian Express quoted MCA president Ravi Sawant as saying, "The MCA stand remains the same. The managing committee had taken a decision of imposing a five-year ban on him (Khan) last year, and it will continue this season too."

The Indian Premier League franchise owner had been prohibited from entering the Wankhede Stadium premises after he had an altercation with a security guard and had reportedly threatened an official after an IPL match in May last year. The Bollywood superstar had initially refused to apologize for his behavior, thus evoking the MCA to stick with the suspension.

On Saturday, MCA officials met with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to decide the fate of the five-year ban imposed on the Kolkata Knight Riders boss.

Two months ago, the MCA had added to its IPL contract with the Mumbai Indians and the BCCI that only accredited persons could enter the Wankhede Stadium and those who have been banned will not be allowed to enter. It is understood that the MCA do not wish to revisit their agreement with the home franchise.

"I don't want to talk much on the issue again. The MCA has taken its stand and we will follow it," Sawant added. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla, who had attempted to broker peace between the warring parties, stated that SRK should be allowed inside the stadium by virtue of being a team owner.

The Mumbai Indians host Kolkata Knight Riders on May 7 and the issue is sure to be discussed again.